Ueshiba Morihei was born
in the city of Tanabe, the entrance to sacred
Kumano.
He was the founder of Aikido, a martial art
of self-defense in which the opponentfs own
momentum
and strength are used to advantage in executing
a variety of immobilizing pins and throws.
Not only is Aikido a highly developed physical
art of self-defense but a profound philosophical
system.
It was Kumanofs rich spiritual context that
deeply influenced Ueshiba and he often returned
to his roots to train.
He also sometimes instructed in Shingu, in
southern Wakayama and from there he frequently
visited the Grand Shrines of Kumano to worship.
It is often said that Ueshiba mastered the
way of Aikido in Kumano.
His grave site is located at Kozan-ji Temple
in the city of Tanabe and is a present day
mecca for aikidoists from all over the world.